Uchi / Uchiko

The original bar-setter when it comes to informed and attentive service. The you’ll-find-no-arguments-here choice when looking for a fine dining spot for you and your friends. The go-to for second dates and third anniversaries. Uchi and its more spacious and breathable sibling in Central Austin have been synonymous with elevated Austin dining for almost 15 years, and when you think of the number of Top 25 restaurants helmed by Uchi’s alumni, it’s hard to imagine where the scene would be without this breeding ground of culinary talent.

You go for the buzz and the excitement of the textural pairings and flavor combinations co-founder Tyson Cole has always loved exploring — tuna, apple and goat cheese, or watermelon and tuna splashed with nuoc man. But don’t stick to the regular menu and your favorites. Always check out the daily chalkboard specials, where you might find ocean trout glazed with a sweet fish sauce and spotted with toasted sunflower seeds, rib-eye tartare warmed with sesame oil and Thai chili, or lightly torched barracuda brushed simply with nikiri.